What to ask when meeting with company we are merging with.

Anonymous

January 18,2022 at 3:12PM UTC

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What to ask when meeting with company we are merging with.

I started a job in July 2021 which has been a pleasant place to work. My previous job, as well as many places I've worked have been toxic. I have wondered what's the catch that this place is nice. Well, last week the partners announced that they are merging with another company. This seems to be a good move in which the company is larger with better benefits. Some of our staff are working remotely, and when I was hired I was to be hybrid once comfortable with the work. I did work home on a snow day 2 weeks ago and it worked out well. The one thing I don't like is the commute and once we move it will be longer.

We will be having a Zoom meeting in which we will meet the partner of our new company. Most staff have been there many years. I was hired to replace a retiree. Any suggestions of questions to ask would be appreciated.

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MarissaJanuary 18,2022 at 4:57PM UTC
I would suggest asking questions that you might as during an interview.
- How would you describe the company culture?
- How do you measure success?
- What kind of ongoing support does the company provide?
- What is consistently important across teams at the org.?
Obviously, a hybrid schedule seems important to you. I would ask about this as well.
DVDgoddessJanuary 19,2022 at 1:41PM UTC
I would also ask if any of the benefits would be changing.
401(k), health benefits, commuting benefits, PTO, etc...
AnonymousJanuary 18,2022 at 6:56PM UTC
Ask questions surrounding your hybrid schedule and their transition plans where your job and team are concerned.
AnonymousJanuary 19,2022 at 1:17PM UTC
As Marisa (below) suggested, definitely ask about the culture of the company. From there ask questions that involve what you need from within this particular culture they aspire to. Let them know what you would expect from this company, and see if they cover all your needs, including your desire to work remotely. Now is the time to have your questions answered
AnonymousJanuary 19,2022 at 1:47PM UTC
Ask what made your company an attractive company to merge with. Ask how the transition will be handled and if your team will remain intact or be merged with their staff. Also, start documenting your accomplishments and your hybrid status. You may find yourself needing to "prove" yourself to new coworkers or management. If not, you are well prepared for your next review.
GirlBossanova934974January 19,2022 at 2:02PM UTC
I would approach this as the owner-partner of the new company. OK, you just bought this company. Now you get the employees of the old company as well. What would you do? First question: Where are the acquired employees going to be assigned? Who are their new supervisors or are they keeping their former supervisors? What are going to be the NEW points of emphasis or objectives? Please keep an open mind. I have seen these things go very well and very badly as well. THE NUMBER ONE KEY you need to find out is if the new management team is prepared and has a game plan going forward. The biggest failings come when the new management team has no game plan and comes in thinking it is all going to be something they can just take care of in their spare time. Properly prepared new management teams have PLANS in place for acquiring new customers, new employees, and how it is all going to fit together. If going forward you get a bad feeling that it is all being slung together, it is time to get out. However, there are outfits who do it right!
Amy KeachJanuary 19,2022 at 3:07PM UTC
I would build on all the below, especially the approach GirlBossanova934974 suggested. Ask whether there will be a new management structure, how that was decided, and how it will impact organizational structure within both companies. Ask for insight into how they feel your company fits with the mission of theirs, and how your existing business will be folded into that mission. How will benefits and work arrangements be impacted (insurance, PTO, sick time, hybrid work, etc)? By asking strategic and tactical questions together, you show you're looking at the whole picture and not just worried about yourself. Good luck!
AnonymousJanuary 20,2022 at 2:53AM UTC
Round about answer to your question.
My company was acquired in September. One of the folks who lead the merger from the acquiring company is now leaving to become a CEO at a new com. I’ve had a few interactions with him, so I sent him a teams message to wish him well. He thanked me and commented that he thought I had a bright future with the company. I decided to be brave and ask for a chat to find out why he thought that since we only had a few interactions. We chatted and he said the reason he thought that was because I was one of only a few who raised my hand when they were talking about implementing a new project management tool that we would all use.
Why am I telling you this? After you get through your questions about benefits, org structure, etc., ask how you can help? If the management is any good, they’ll take notice.